Advancement of the GoodNanoGuide: A compendium of best practices for the global nanotechnology community

Authors: M.J. Sreniawski, B.J. Harper and S.L. Harper

Affilation: Oregon State University, United States

Pages: 634 - 637

Keywords: environment, health, safety, resources

Abstract:The GoodNanoGuide project is an internet-based wiki that was conceived to meet the needs of global nanotechnology stakeholders (Kulinowski and Jaffe, 2009). The GoodNanoGuide was designed to facilitate translation of disparate nanoEHS research into practical occupational safety guidance that can be debated, discussed, and implemented in a timely manner. GoodNanoGuide content providers and users, including the public, reflect the interdisciplinary and borderless nature of the nanotechnology field, which are two of its greatest strengths. The wiki format provides subject matter experts a venue for instant publishing and timely modification to keep pace with the rapid advances in related research and best practices. Although the wiki website is an ‘open source’ technology designed to easily allow collaborative editing of its content, a trend analysis has revealed that community contributions and website activity has waned over the past two years. In keeping with open source platform, and the ever-expanding nature of nanotechnology and nanoscience, the GNG is actively promoting participation from stakeholders with an diverse interests in best practices for nanotechnology environmental health and occupational safety.